Mountain Reedbuck hunting

The smallest of the Reedbuck species, deriving its name from its fulvous red colour is found in isolated pockets with suitable mountainous habitat. Often seen grazing or resting amongst the rocks of the mountain slopes, making full use of their camouflage to blend in with their surroundings. In the open grasslands of the Eastern Cape territories of South Africa, where they are prolific, they are found in herds of up to 25-30 animals. In the Limpopo region of South Africa, they occur in smaller family units in the more wooded areas. These animals can be hunted throughout South Africa. The other subspecies, Chanler’s Mountain Reedbuck can be hunted in Ethiopia, Eastern Uganda and Northern Tanzania. The Western Mountain Reedbuck of Cameroon may no longer be hunted.

If you are hunting in a hilly grassland area you need to spend time glassing the rocky slopes of the mountains. Often, it’s just a little movement that will catch your eye and on closer inspection of the area you will no doubt find a bunch of well camouflaged animals lying amongst the rocks. Then you need to move closer to take your shot, either shooting up or down from a vantage point, whichever suits the occasion. For bow hunters, the best is to hunt these animals in the drier regions of the country where they occur. During the heat of the day these animals come off the mountain to drink. Thus giving the bow hunter an opportunity to ambush them on their way to water or alternately taken from a blind overlooking the waterhole.